Sun Devils travel to face Big 12 favorites Texas Tech
The Sun Devils found their way back to the win column in their final non-conference game last weekend against Hawaii, and will look to keep that trend going as conference play resumes for the rest of the season.
Standing in their way is a massive road test against Big 12 favorites Texas Tech. Arizona State got the better of Texas Tech in 2025, giving the Red Raiders their only loss of the regular season almost exactly one year ago.
The Sun Devils will be well-versed in what to expect from the Texas Tech offense, as it is a carry-over of the same veer-and-shoot offense that they've seen in recent weeks.
Front and center of the offense is quarterback Will Hammond. Hammond actually made his first career regular season start in Tempe last season in place of injured starter Behren Morton, accounting for all three touchdowns in the 26-22 loss. After the offseason turmoil surrounding incoming transfer Brendan Sorsby, Hammond retained the starting job, and has thrown for 1,102 yards and 5 touchdowns in 5 games. His arm strength gives every play the deep threat capability, while also showcasing excellent running ability on both designed runs and play-extending scrambles. Pure accuracy is a struggle however, as he has some mechanical inconsistencies that have cut in to YAC potential, as well as contributed to his 5 interceptions on the season.
The same two-headed monster from 2025 returns to the Texas Tech backfield, with J'Koby Williams in the lead back role with his speed, while bruiser Cameron Dickey punches through defensive lines in a change-of-pace role. Combining for 615 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, Brian Ward's defense will be in for a tough task, entering the game ranked 120th nationally in "stuff rate" against opposing running backs. If the Red Raiders can control the line of scrimmage, look for the tempo to be kept high to put Arizona State back on their heels. Williams presents well in the passing game as well, hauling in 19 catches out of the backfield for 137 yards.
The Red Raiders sport four-100 yard receivers in the opening five games to complement Hammond's arm. Kenny Johnson has emerged as Hammond's top targert on the outside, while Coy Eakin commands equal respect from the secondary coming across the middle. Terrance Carter is listed as a tight end, but acts as an offensive chess piece in a variety of positions. His blocking in space provide downfield support for the rest of the receivers, but his small frame ("6'2") gives some pause to his usefullness as an inline blocker.
If last season's game is any indication, the 2026 rematch has all the makings of an offensive struggle that could come down to the final play of the game if the Sun Devil secondary can contain Hammond's targets.
The Sun Devils and Red Raiders will square off on Saturday from Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock. Kickoff is set for 12:30pm Arizona time, and will air nationally on FOX.
Comments